USHL - Bayreuther Joins Dallas Stars

Stars defense prospect Gavin Bayreuther was passed over in three NHL Drafts, but he turned it into a positive. Disappointment provided motivation.

NHL teams passed over Bayreuther in the 2012, 2013, and 2014 drafts. In his final year of eligibility - the 2014 NHL Draft - he was coming off an impressive freshman season at St. Lawrence University in which he ranked third nationally in points per game among defenseman with 36 points (nine goals, 27 assists) in 38 games. NHL Central Scouting had him ranked 48th among North American skaters, but no takers.

"I was very upset, to be honest, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me," Bayreuther said. "It made me work so much harder, take nothing for granted. Prove everyone wrong."

Now, Bayreuther hopes he is on his way to proving his point. After three more solid seasons at St. Lawrence where he was among the top scoring defensemen in the nation, he was one of the more sought after free agents coming out of college. And after sorting through offers from a handful of NHL teams, he signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars in March.